I knew as I was awaiting my ferry to my next Island, Ko Ngai, that I would be traveling with a different crowd. There were a couple backpacks, but mostly suitcases and a few strollers. The 4-wheeler type for pushing down the beach. A women waiting for the ferry as well, asked one of the workers on the dock, its 1:35, our ferry was suppose to leave at 1:30, where is it? He smiled back at her, "The ferry soon it come, relax, go have a banana shake." Ahhh, she's a newbie, she needs a little breaking in Thai Style.

I knew this island was going to break my budget, I had planned that in for a few of these islands that were on my island hopping journey, knowing that some of them only had resorts, and resort prices. Were they any better than my first island up north where I only paid $10 a night? That’s what I came to find out. I am staying at the “top pick” in the Lonely Planet” they haven’t done me wrong yet, they kind of know my style, the unique, flash packer kind of place, that has charm and character, and won’t break the bank

. This one will be my pricest one on the trip. 2000 baht a night, yes that’s about $60 an night, it does include breakfast,,,lol, and it’s suppose to be sooo cute! Okay, so I do feel a little guilty spending that much, because it’s just doesn’t seem necessary, but on this island, there were few choices. I did not get the most expensive bungalow either.

When we arrived, we were met with someone carrying our bags off the boat, how nice! And greeted with smiles and cold glasses of fresh juice. Wow. The staff here all wears uniforms, not just the usual random t-shirt probably left over that a guest may have left behind. They have internet, at a price of course, and the place is nicely designed, somewhat like a Polynesian resort, with quaintly designed bungalows, with decks, and outside enclosed bathrooms (love those, you take a shower outside but no one can see you!) and an open air restaurant with view of the ocean. It is pretty cool.

The water is spectacular, it’s a light shade of blue, and very shallow in places, so you can walk very far into the water. It’s great for families…yes, families with children, young children. So there you go, you come to the “nice” places and you get the families. Now I’m not trying to say that I don’t think it’s wonderful, that families, mostly all European, okay all European because I’m going to tell you, Americans are just not brave enough to travel with their kids, and I can say that because I am American. And I think it’s great that families are traveling with their kids, showing them the world at a young age….but their kind of loud. And then run amuck, and the parents don’t seem to mind, it teaches them independence

! , it’s a little annoying, lol, okay Sarah, I know what you’re thinking…yes I do like kids and I do look forward to someday you having them in the distant future, lol,,, but kids in paradise? I could live without it, just saying.

And then there are the other guests, the nice couples, and the men traveling with their hired girlfriends, the ones young enough to be their daughters, I never get used to seeing it. These men are mostly German. I do have a couple of friends that read my blog that are American and come over here for their “ Love for Sale” yeah, I get it, the girls are easy companions, they are very accommodating, and yeah, I know the other part. But the men look so bored with them during the day. They can’t speak much to each other because of the language barrier, okay maybe that’s the point. . But how great of a companion can it be for several weeks, having nothing in common, except…. All right enough about that.

This island is small, and basically has one long stretch of white sand beach with only a few places, and this one is the best, I know, I walked the whole island in a half an hour. This resort is also on the far end by itself, so all the Speedo clad day trippers coming here, park their boats on the busier other side

. The staff is really nice, greats you every time they pass, and they even came in my bungalow today to make my bed and bring me fresh bottles of water! I never get that treatment at my other places! I can stay for a whole week and they won’t come near my bungalow. But is it worth the price? …hmmm, I have to say no. you get just as nice for a lot less, this island attracts a certain type of traveler, it’s about an hour ferry from Koh Lanta, a very popular island, so it’s not that hard to get to. I love the cold juice upon my arrival, and the wonderful service, but honestly, that’s the way it is back home, okay most of the time. And I come to Thailand for different, not always nice, that’s what makes it such an interesting journey.

Comments

Hi Elizabeth, Looks like your having a wonderful time!!! I'm jealous!!! So beautiful!! Let me know when the next trip is!! Safe travels hope to see you in March!! Tracey ;o)

Sarah
on Feb 8, 2011 at 08:49PM

Mom - I should not be looking at your blogs in the library that's for sure! Once I got done laughing about your love/hate relationship with families traveling with young, unruly children, I start laughing about your picture with your new "friend". Then I start laughing really loud at the picture of the couple walking on the beach! Well at least it makes me smile while I'm at school! I love you and love your blogs! xoxo

maureen
on Feb 8, 2011 at 10:51PM

You need to start a category of feet fotos for your book. This one reminded me of your foot shot at Koh Lipe-waters so clear you can see every cuticle! The views are amazing-seems like a great place for honeymooners. Hear that rachel? So glad you are not reporting on any gastrointestinal challenges!

Susan Ramelli
on Feb 9, 2011 at 12:49PM

Elizabeth, Hi! I am so glad that I ran into you at the San Diego Aorport and that you added me to your mailing list! I think that I may have missed your first couple notes as they were going to my spam folder. It looks like you are having a wonderful experience--I am envious as this is just the type of thing that I so love to do but have not done for a long time. Cannot wait to hear more--Stay safe!